Tips For Buying A Used Truck

WHY BUY A USED TRUCK?

There are plenty of benefits to buying a used truck. The first and foremost benefit is affordability. Of course, this is also the most common people buy used vehicles at all. They can get more for their budget. Another reason is that used trucks are more reliable and long-lasting than ever before, so drivers have access to a variety of model years, trim packages, and features for a fraction of the cost.

HAVE A PLAN

Before you dive into the used pickup truck market, it’s good to know what you’re looking for so that you don’t end up paying too much for features you don’t want or need. Have your budget ready, research a variety of models and know which ones stand out to you, and make a list of requirements.

CHECK VEHICLE HISTORY

A vehicle history report comes with most used cars nowadays because they can be calculated from any truck’s VIN. A vehicle history report will record how many times a truck has been serviced by the dealership, if it has been in any accidents, and if there are any recalls out on the truck’s parts. A good thing to keep in mind is that the only service appointments that will show up on the vehicle history report are the ones that have been reported. Some third-party mechanics will not do this.

OIL CHANGES AND ACCIDENTS

Two things to look for on the vehicle history report are oil changes and accidents. When a collision has occurred at some point in the past, it’s important to know how extensive the damage and repairs were. If there was just a minor fender-bender, it might be nothing to worry about. Something else you should pay attention to is the oil change history. A well cared for vehicle will have its oil changed routinely.

RESEARCH THE ENGINE

Some models of trucks are known for being reliable and long-lasting, but different engines have their own quirks. Keep in mind a lot of full-size trucks come with a variety of powertrains and know which engine you’d like.

SCHEDULE A TEST DRIVE

Dave Kehl Chevrolet has a great selection of used trucks as well as a wide range of new Chevrolet Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500HD, and Silverado 3500HD. Stop into our showroom and we’ll make sure you get the truck that’s right for you and your needs.